The Ultimate Soft Iced Pumpkin Cookies for Your Autumn Dessert Table

Name: The Ultimate Soft Iced Pumpkin Cookies for Your Autumn Dessert Table
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups confectioners sugar; 3 tablespoons milk; 1 tablespoon melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

BY azeddine massafi January 9, 2026

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There is a specific magic that happens in the kitchen when the air turns crisp and the leaves begin their vibrant transformation. It is the season of warm spices, cozy sweaters, and the unmistakable aroma of pumpkin wafting from the oven. These iced pumpkin cookies are the quintessential fall treat, offering a pillowy, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth with every bite. Unlike crispy cookies, these gems are soft and moist, bridging the gap between a traditional cookie and a handheld slice of pumpkin pie. Whether you are prepping for a school bake sale, a Thanksgiving spread, or simply a quiet afternoon with a hot cup of cider, this recipe delivers a nostalgic flavor profile that appeals to both children and adults.

Table of Contents

Components for the Perfect Pumpkin Batch

To achieve the iconic flavor and structure of these seasonal favorites, you will need a selection of pantry staples and aromatic spices. Each ingredient plays a vital role in ensuring the cookies are light, flavorful, and perfectly sweet.

2 and 1 half cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
half teaspoon ground nutmeg
half teaspoon ground cloves
half teaspoon salt
half cup butter, softened
1 and half cups white sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

The Silky Glaze Icing

2 cups confectioners sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Follow these sequential instructions to bring these autumn delights to life in your own kitchen.

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or lightly greasing them to ensure the soft cookies do not stick.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Incorporate the pumpkin puree, egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Beat until the ingredients are well-combined and the color is a uniform orange hue.
Gradually add the dry flour and spice mixture into the wet pumpkin batter. Stir or mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded scoops of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten the top of each dough ball with the back of the spoon or a damp finger.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. You will know they are finished when the centers feel set and the edges are very lightly golden.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
While the cookies cool, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners sugar, milk, melted butter, and the remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth.
Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a fork. Allow the icing to set and firm up before serving or storing.

Mastering the Texture and Flavor Profile

The beauty of a pumpkin cookie lies in its unique crumb. Because pumpkin puree contains a high water content, these cookies naturally lean toward a cake-like consistency rather than a chewy or crunchy one. To ensure yours are the best they can be, pay close attention to the creaming process. When you combine the butter and sugar, you are aerating the fat, which provides the necessary lift and lightness.

Furthermore, the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves is what provides that “pumpkin spice” soul. These spices do more than just add flavor; they provide a sensory experience that defines the fall season. Using fresh spices makes a world of difference. If your nutmeg has been sitting in the back of the pantry for three years, it might be time to refresh your supply to ensure that warm, peppery punch is prominent in every bite.

When flattening the cookies before baking, remember that they do not spread as much as a standard chocolate chip cookie. The shape you put into the oven is very similar to the shape that will come out. By gently pressing them down, you ensure a more even bake and a better surface area for the icing to cling to.

Enhancing the Experience with Pairings

While these cookies are a powerhouse on their own, they truly shine when served alongside the right beverages and snacks. For a classic afternoon treat, serve them with a tall glass of cold milk. The creaminess of the milk cuts through the warm spices beautifully.

If you are hosting a festive gathering, consider serving these alongside a hot beverage station. A steaming mug of spiced apple cider or a dark roast coffee provides a sophisticated contrast to the sweet, sugary glaze. For those who enjoy a bit of decadence, a dollop of whipped cream on top of a warm cookie can transform it into a plated dessert worthy of a dinner party.

On a holiday cookie tray, these stand out due to their bright icing and soft texture. They pair excellently with sharper flavors, such as gingersnaps or dark chocolate bark, providing a well-rounded variety of textures and tastes for your guests to enjoy.

Long-Term Storage and Freshness

Preserving the softness of these cookies is key to enjoying them throughout the week. Because they are moisture-rich, they should be stored in an airtight container. If you leave them out on a plate, they can dry out or, conversely, become overly sticky if the humidity is high.

At room temperature, these cookies will stay delicious for up to seven days. If you need to stack them, always place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between the layers. This prevents the icing from sticking to the bottom of the cookie above it, keeping your presentation clean and professional.

While you can freeze the finished cookies, many bakers find that freezing the dough is the superior method for long-term prep. By freezing pre-portioned scoops of dough, you can have fresh-baked cookies in 20 minutes whenever the craving strikes. Simply freeze the dough balls on a tray until solid, then toss them into a freezer bag for up to three months. When you are ready to bake, you can take them straight from the freezer to the oven, though you may need to add a minute or two to the total baking time.

Customizing Your Pumpkin Treats

While the base recipe is a classic for a reason, there are several ways to tailor these cookies to your specific preferences. If you prefer a more robust pumpkin flavor, ensure you are using a high-quality pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the recipe’s balance.

For those who enjoy a bit of texture, consider adding half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. The crunch of the nuts provides a lovely counterpoint to the soft dough. If you are a fan of chocolate, white chocolate chips are a popular addition that adds a creamy, buttery sweetness to the spiced pumpkin.

If you find the drizzle icing too thin, you can easily thicken it by adding an extra tablespoon or two of confectioners sugar. This allows you to spread the icing with a knife for a thicker layer of sweetness. Conversely, if you want a very light glaze, add a few more drops of milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree for this recipe?

Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree, but you must ensure it is well-strained. Fresh pumpkin often contains more water than the canned variety. To avoid a runny batter, let your fresh puree sit in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for about an hour to remove excess liquid before measuring it out for the dough.

Why did my cookies turn out more like muffins than cookies?

Pumpkin cookies are naturally cakey due to the moisture in the pumpkin. However, if they feel too much like a muffin, it might be due to over-mixing the flour. When you add the dry ingredients, mix only until the white streaks of flour disappear. Over-mixing develops the gluten, which can lead to a tougher, more bread-like texture rather than a soft cookie crumb.

Is it possible to make the icing without butter?

The melted butter in the icing adds a rich flavor and helps the glaze set with a slight shine. If you choose to omit it, you can replace it with an equal amount of milk or even a bit of heavy cream. Note that the icing might be slightly more translucent and less rich without the butter, but it will still be delicious.

How do I know for sure when the cookies are done?

Since these cookies are dark in color due to the pumpkin and spices, it can be hard to see a golden-brown edge. The best test is to gently touch the center of a cookie with your finger. If it springs back slightly and feels firm rather than “squishy” or wet, they are ready to come out. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the wire rack.

A Final Note on Seasonal Baking

There is something deeply rewarding about baking with the seasons. Taking a few simple ingredients—flour, sugar, and the humble pumpkin—and transforming them into a batch of warm, iced cookies is a ritual that marks the passage of time. These cookies are more than just a snack; they are a celebration of autumn’s bounty. By following the exact measurements and allowing the cookies to cool before applying that sweet vanilla glaze, you ensure a result that is consistent, comforting, and absolutely irresistible. Share them with friends, bring them to your next gathering, or keep a stash in the pantry for those chilly nights when only a homemade treat will do.

Nutritional Information

The following values are estimates per cookie based on a standard yield of 36 cookies.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	115 calories
Total Fat	3 grams
Saturated Fat	2 grams
Cholesterol	12 milligrams
Sodium	95 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates	21 grams
Dietary Fiber	1 gram
Sugars	14 grams
Protein	1 gram

Nutritional Disclaimer

Nutritional values are provided as a courtesy and are estimates only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. Factors such as product brands and ingredient variations may change the actual nutritional content.